1997 Volkswagen Jetta GL review from North America

Oil leak from head gasket at 65,000.

Water Pump broke at 67,000.

Major Tune-up at 75,000

Replaced timing belt and tensioner at 75,000.

Check engine light malfunction at 80,000.

Front headlights replaced at 90,000.

Transmission replaced at 96,400.

This car gets up and goes.

Great turning radius.

A trunk big enough to fit a football team in.

Overall look is nice.

I am really upset with the overall experience I have had with my VW. I have friends who swear by them (the best car) but I think the customer service, warranty fullfillment and the durability of the car is lacking.

I bought the car used from a dealership. I was the second owner and it only had 29,000. (a little less then 10,000 a year) At about 35,000 miles I noticed the transmission having problems shifting. It would hang at 40rpm and then shift hard into the next gear. I took it in to the dealer and was told the standard factory settings were not right. They adjusted the idle and timing and sent me away. It continued to happen. I took it in again at 45,000 miles for shifting problems (different dealer) and was told the same thing. Now my car is out of warranty and the pump is shot and my transmission needs to be replaced. I called VW and they have my information, but claim because of "the age of the car and the mileage, we probably won't be able to do anything about it."

I am amazed. I take care of my car with it's maintenace and overall look. I too have experienced molding falling off and plastic pieces breaking. I don't even know where they break off of. My driver seat is broken. I could go on and on. I will never buy a VW again. I have read these reviews and it seems like the 97 Jetta has a transmission problem that VW doesn't want to take care of so they will just continue to blow their consumers off ...and away.